2023 Best Online Master's Degrees in Clinical Psychology

Capella University (CU) is a private institution that offers an online Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis - Organizational Behavior Management. The online master's program provides students with the skills and knowledge to promote safety, ethical, and professional conduct, set up efficient organizational systems, and assess behavior to solve workplace issues. Consisting of 60 credits, CU’s MS typically takes two years to complete. CU has a 100% acceptance rate and a 16% graduation rate.

At CU, students use Blackboard to complete their coursework, which is entirely online and asynchronous. Courses cover ethics, assessment, analysis, and management, along with a capstone course course. Graduates of the online master's program meet the educational requirement for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst exam and may work as program managers, behavior analysts, and directors of program management.

Southern New Hampshire University Online (SNHU) is a large, private institution with a 92% acceptance rate and a 36% graduation rate. SNHU offers an online Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, which requires 60 credit hours. The master's program in counseling requires two five-day, in-person residencies as well as a 100-hour practicum, a 600-hour internship, and a capstone seminar. The online graduate program focuses on research and theory and centers around practical counseling, advocacy, and treatment.

At SNHU, students use Brightspace to access their coursework, which is almost entirely online and asynchronous. Coursework helps students understand disorders, group dynamics, career assessments, addiction counseling, and diverse populations. Graduates work in fields like mental health, substance abuse, and behavioral disorder counseling, development specialists, and market analysts.

SNHU also offers an online Master of Science in Psychology consisting of 36 credit hours.

Regent University Online (RU) is a private, Christian university that provides education through a Christian worldview. It offers an online Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. This online master's in counseling requires 60+ credit hours, two in-person residencies, a practicum, and an internship. Overall, this can take students around three years to complete. RU has an acceptance rate of 41% and a graduation rate of 49%.

At RU, students use Blackboard to access their coursework, which is mostly online and asynchronous. Courses include Counseling and Christian Thought; Psychopathology & Diagnosis; and Crisis, Trauma, & Mental Health. Graduates may work in outpatient care centers, family service centers, hospitals, and schools.

RU is not an LGBT-friendly school. It refers to those in the LGBT community as individuals engaging in “sexual misconduct,” which it prohibits.

Indiana Wesleyan University Online (IWU) is a private, Christian university with a 100% acceptance rate and a 54% graduation rate. IWU offers an online Master of Arts in Counseling - Clinical Mental Health Counseling, which requires 60 credit hours. Distance learners can finish the online master's in 2-3 years. It also requires an in-person practicum and internship.

At IWU, students use Brightspace to access their coursework, which is almost entirely online. Students will graduate with a clear understanding of CMHC professional identity, the skills to apply research findings to inform treatment plans, and the ability to integrate faith-based or spirituality-based principles in case conceptualizations or interventions. Courses include Integration of Christian Faith in Professional Counseling, Psychopathology, and Theory and Techniques in the Helping Relationship.

IWU is not an LGBT-friendly institution. Its website states its lack of support for the LGBT community.

The University of West Alabama (UWA) is a public university with a 74% acceptance rate and a 35% graduation rate. UWA offers an online Master of Science in Experimental Psychology - Clinical Psychology, which requires 39-57 credit hours and typically takes 1-2 years to complete. Students must also complete a practicum and internship. Additionally, they may either take a comprehensive exam to graduate or complete a master’s thesis.

At UWA, students use Blackboard to access their coursework, which is almost entirely online and asynchronous. Courses provide students with critical thinking skills and an understanding of search methods, qualitative and quantitative analysis, and research presentation. These courses include Statistics and Research Methods, Advanced Development Psychology, and Marriage and Family Therapy.

Bellevue University (BU) is a private, nonprofit university that offers an online Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. BU’s CMHC program requires 60 credit hours, which includes online courses, a 100-hour practicum, a 600-hour clinical internship, and two on-campus residencies. BU has a 100% acceptance rate and a 51% graduation rate.

At BU, students use Blackboard to access their coursework, which is almost entirely online. Students learn how about assessment, case conceptualization, diagnosis, treatment planning in courses, such as Human Development Throughout the Lifespan; Group Processes and Facilitation; and Trauma, Crisis, and Traumatic Stress Counseling. BU graduates are prepared to take the licensing exam.

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology Online (CSPP) is a small, private university with a 39% acceptance rate and a 52% graduation rate. CSPP offers an online Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, which requires 60 credit hours. Students can complete the online graduate degree program in about three years, which includes 100 practicum hours, 600 internship hours, and in-person residency requirements.

At CSPP, students use Canvas to access their coursework, which is mostly online. Courses are synchronous and include Group Theories and Process of Counseling, Assessment of Individuals, and Diagnosis of Mental Health Issues, among others. Students graduate with an understanding of ethics, research, diagnosis, and interventions. This knowledge prepares them to work for nonprofits, the integrative healthcare industry, the field of education, or the business sector.

CSPP also offers an online Master of Arts in Psychology and an online Master of Science in Clinical Psychopharmacology.

North Carolina State University (NCSU) is a large, public institution with a 57% acceptance rate and an 82% graduation rate. NCSU offers an online Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, which requires 34-46 credit hours. This master's degree program is designed to be completed in approximately three years.

At NCSU, students use Moodle to access their coursework, which is almost entirely online and delivered in an asynchronous format. The master's program in clinical mental health counseling at NCSU requires an in-person practicum and internship. Some of the classes are Multicultural Counseling, Theories and Tech of Counseling, and Strategies for Clinical Assessment in Counseling — to name a few. Graduates meet the requirements for professional licensure and usually work as career counselors or family/behavioral therapists.

Pepperdine University (PU) is a private, Christian institution that integrates service, worship, and social responsibility with rigorous academic study. PU offers an online Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology, which requires 62-68 credit hours. Typically, this takes students around two years of full-time study. This online program also requires 225-280 practicum hours.

At PU, students use the learning management system Courses to access their coursework virtually. Most of the classes are online, and students finish them at their own pace. Example courses include Multicultural Counseling, Sexuality and Intimacy, and Trauma in Diverse Populations. Students learn how to diagnose clients, formulate clinical cases, develop treatment plans, and facilitate therapeutic processes. Graduates may work as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) or a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC).

Rutgers University (RU) is a public school with the distinction of being an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution. RU offers an online Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling - Clinical Mental Health Counseling requiring 60 credit hours. RU has a 79% acceptance rate and a 70% graduation rate.

At RU, students use Blackboard to access their coursework, which is almost entirely online, with courses like Counseling and Case Management, Psychopathology, and Medical and Psychological Aspects of Disability. RU teaches students to help clients change problematic behaviors, cope better with difficult situations, and manage their disabilities. Students take around two years to complete the 100 required practicum hours and 600 internship hours. They graduate with the educational professional licensing requirements for 46 states and are eligible to work in various community and government agencies.

Auburn University (AU) is a large, public institution that offers an online Master of Education in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling, which requires 60 credit hours and takes students around two years to finish. With an acceptance rate of 71% and a graduation rate of 78%, AU teaches these master's students how to assess, plan, intervene, and evaluate a diverse range of clients.

At AU, students use Canvas to access their coursework, which is mostly online and asynchronous. Students are required to visit campus during the first week of each semester as well as complete 100 hours of counseling practice, 600 hours of practical work, and a written Certified Rehabilitation Counseling exam. Graduates work at state/federal, private, and not-for-profit rehabilitation agencies.

Alliant International University (AIU) is a small, private university with a 100% acceptance rate and a 62% graduation rate. AIU offers an online Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling requiring 60 credit hours and two years to complete. Students master the skills to counsel individuals struggling with anxiety, grief, anger management, and infidelity.

At AIU, students use Canvas to access their coursework, which is mostly online and asynchronous. Courses include Assessment in Clinical Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and Psychopharmacology. Graduates work in community mental health clinics, couple and family services, hospitals, and substance abuse centers.

If you are interested in learning more about Psychopharmacology, AIU also offers an online Master of Science in Clinical Psychopharmacology.

Adams State University (ASU) is a small, public, Hispanic-Serving Institution that offers an online Master of Arts in Counseling - Clinical Mental Health. This online master's degree requires 60 credit hours and takes students around 2-3 years to complete. ASU has a 100% acceptance rate and a 35% graduation rate.

At ASU, students use Blackboard to access their coursework, which is almost entirely online. Students are required to complete 100 practicum hours, 600 internship hours, and two one-week lab residencies — all of which are in-person. Courses in this master's program include Lifespan Development; Foundations of Addictions Counseling; and Crisis, Disaster, & Trauma. ASU provides students with the skills to enhance their clients’ overall wellness, work with other mental health providers, and develop prevention programs. It prepares them to work in mental health clinics, private practices, hospitals, social service agencies, and residential treatment facilities.

Bradley University (BU) is a private institution with a 76% acceptance rate and a 78% graduation rate. BU offers an online Master of Arts in Counseling - Clinical Mental Health Counseling, which requires 60 credit hours. This master's program requires one practicum, two internships, and two virtual residencies.

At BU, students use Canvas to access their coursework, which is almost entirely online and asynchronous. Courses include Neurocounseling: Bridging Brain & Behavior, Counseling Diverse Populations, and Intimate Partner Relationships & Family Counseling. These online classes help prepare students to work as clinical mental health counselors, crisis counselors, grief counselors, and veterans counselors.

The University of Massachusetts - Boston (UMass Boston) is a public institution that offers an online Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling - Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling, which requires 60 credit hours and takes approximately two years to complete. This program also requires one week of in-person study during the first semester, a two-semester internship, and an in-person practicum. UMass Boston has a 79% acceptance rate and a 57% graduation rate.

At UMass Boston, students use Blackboard to access their coursework, which is almost entirely online and features live classes. Graduates should know how to advance educational, economic, and social wellness for individuals with addictions and disabilities. Courses include Research and Evaluation in Psychology, Life Span Human Development, and Foundations of Rehabilitation.

Eastern University (EU) is a private, American Baptist institution with a 69% acceptance rate and a 62% graduation rate. EU offers an online Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling, requiring 60 credit hours and at least a three-year commitment. Students learn how to comprehend human personality organization, implement strategies for positive change, and integrate their faith into their practice.

At EU, students use Brightspace to access their coursework, which is almost entirely online and asynchronous. Students must complete an in-person practicum and internship. Coursework includes Psychopathology and Diagnosis, Techniques of Counseling and Psychotherapy, and Personality Dynamics and Psychosocial Assessment. Graduates work as mental health counselors, addiction counselors, mobile therapists, program coordinators, and case management supervisors.

California Baptist University (CBU) is a private, Southern Baptist institution that offers an online Master of Science in Counseling Psychology - Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, which requires 60 credit hours and takes two years to complete. The master's program provides students with the skills to identify clinical concerts, accurately diagnose clients, develop treatment plans, and integrate research into their practice. CBU has a 64% acceptance rate and a 61% graduation rate.

At CBU, students use Blackboard to access their coursework, which is online except for an in-person practicum and written case report examination. Courses, which include Human Growth and Development, Human Sexuality, and Advanced Psychopathology, are asynchronous, but there are weekly live meetings with faculty.

CBU is not an LGBT-friendly school. It does not support the inclusion or expression of this community, believing that LGBT individuals act immorally.

The University of the Southwest (USW) is a private, Christ-centered institution with a 100% acceptance rate and a 35% graduation rate. USW offers an online Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, which requires 36 credit hours, a practicum, and two internships. The program typically takes two years for online graduate students to complete. During the program, students gain knowledge in growth and development, life planning, group work, and family relationships.

At USW, students use Blackboard to access their coursework, which is mostly online and asynchronous. Courses include Human Sexuality, Addictions Counseling, and Crisis & Trauma Intervention, among others. Graduates of USW’s program work in child and family services, community organizations, education, and human resources.

USW also offers an online Master of Science in Psychology.

The University of Western States (UWS) is a private institution with a 94% acceptance rate and a 44% graduation rate. UWS offers an online Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, which requires 60 credit hours, an 11-week practicum, and a 44-week internship. The program typically takes students approximately 2-3 years to complete.

At UWS, students use Canvas to access their coursework, which is almost entirely online. Courses include Personality and Counseling Theories, Psychopharmacology, and Human Growth and Development — among others. Graduates of this program learn about ethical practice, career development, group counseling, assessment, and research.

Bay Path University (BPU) is a small, women-only institution that offers an online Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, which requires 60 credit hours and takes about two years to complete. With a 75% acceptance rate and a 61% graduation rate, students learn counseling theory, psychopathology, clinical skills, and research. The online master's program has concentrations in trauma-informed counseling, alcohol & drug use counseling, and school adjustment counseling.

At BPU, students use Canvas to access their coursework, which is mostly asynchronous but requires a few synchronous virtual meetings. Courses include Psychopathology & the Diagnostic Process, Neurobiology of Trauma, and Applied Research Methods & Program Evaluation. BPU’s master's degree program requires 100 practicum hours and 600 internship hours.

Midwestern State University (MSU) is a public institution with a 95% acceptance rate and a 52% graduation rate. It offers an online Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health, which requires 60 credit hours, a practicum, two internships, and a written comprehensive exam. Ideally, students develop a strong identity as a counselor, a dedication to advocacy efforts, and a respect for diverse populations.

At MSU, students use Brightspace to access their coursework, which is almost entirely online. Courses include Group Counseling, Human Relations, and Diagnosis & Treatment Planning.

MSU also offers an online Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health - School Counseling, which prepares graduates to work as public school counselors.

St. Bonaventure University (SBU) is a private, Roman Catholic university with a 78% acceptance rate and a 70% graduation rate. SBU offers an online Master of Science in Education - Clinical Mental Health Counseling, which requires 60 credit hours. The master's program also requires a practicum and two internships.

At SBU, students use Moodle to access their coursework, which is almost entirely online and taught in a synchronous format. Students learn how to utilize different approaches for prevention and intervention, understand the issues of diversity and advocacy, and evaluate research to make assessments and treatment plans through courses, such as Diagnosis of Psychopathology, Multicultural Counseling, and Advanced Human Growth & Development. Graduates may work in colleges, correctional facilities, health centers, insurance organizations, and scientific/technical facilities.

Messiah University (MU) is a private, Christ-centered institution with a 77% acceptance rate and a 77% graduation rate. MU offers an online Master of Arts in Counseling - Clinical Mental Health Counseling, which requires 60 credit hours and typically takes two years to complete.

At MU, students use Canvas to access their coursework, which is mostly online and synchronous. Students are required to complete two semesters of an internship, one in-person practicum, and an on-campus weeklong intensive. Courses for the master's program include Substance Abuse/Addiction and Families, Evidence-Based Treatment of Psychology, and Career Counseling Across the Lifespan. Graduates may work as therapists and mental health counselors.

Although MU empowers students to incorporate faith and religion into counseling and address issues concerning discrimination, privilege, and oppression, MU is not an LGBT-friendly school. It does not support the inclusion or expression of these individuals and identities.

The University of Tennessee - Martin (UTM) is a public institution that offers an online Master of Science in Education - Counseling - Clinical Mental Health requiring 60 credit hours. It take students approximately 2-3 years to complete. Students must also complete a three-day on-campus residency, practicum, two-semester internship, and comprehensive exam. UTM has a 75% acceptance rate and a 49% graduation rate.

At UTM, students use Blackboard to access their coursework, which is mostly online. Master's students learn ethical practice, human development, helping relationships, and program development in courses like Research in Counseling, Principles of Crisis Intervention, and Psychopharmacology. Graduates are prepared to work as counselors and address a wide variety of wellness, prevention, and mental health concerns.

William & Mary (WM) is a public institution with a 37% acceptance rate and a 91% graduation rate. WM offers an online Master of Education in Counseling - Clinical Mental Health Counseling, which requires 60 credit hours. In general, students can complete the program in three years if they maintain a full-time schedule. They graduate with skills in diagnosis, treatment, referral, and prevention.

At WM, students use Blackboard to access their coursework, which is mostly online. Students take courses such as Transpersonal Counseling, Theories of Counseling and Psychopathology, and Substance Abuse and Society. They must also finish 100 practicum hours, 600 internship hours, and two on-site residencies. Graduates work in community-based mental health centers, hospitals, Veterans Affairs clinics, and other treatment centers.

Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) is a private institution with an 85% acceptance rate and a 59% graduation rate. FDU offers an online Master of Science in Clinical Psychopharmacology, which requires 30 credit hours, a clinical lab, and a clinical psychopharm practicum. Students usually graduate in 2-3 years with prescriptive authority and may work as collaborators with other prescribing professionals or independent prescribers.

At FDU, students use Blackboard to access their coursework, which is almost entirely online and asynchronous. Courses include Biological Foundations of Psychopharmacological Practice, Neuroscience, and Treatment Issues in Psychopharmacology.

Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) is a private, Catholic institution with an 89% acceptance rate and a 44% graduation rate. SAGU offers an online Master of Science in Clinical Psychology. The master's program requires 63 credit hours. Students learn to assess and counsel children, adolescents, and adults, as well as integrate and apply sound psychological principles and skills to diagnose, assess, and treat mental disorders.

At SAGU, students use Blackboard to access their coursework, which is entirely online. Courses include Integrative Issues in the Behavioral Sciences, Psychopharmacology, and Clinical Psychopathology, among others. Graduates may work as addictions counselors, clinical psychiatrists, management consultants, and social behavioral scientists.

SAGU is not an LGBT-friendly school: It is an expellable offense at SAGU to even identify as an LGBT individual.

Mid-America Christian University (MACU) is a private institution affiliated with the Church of God. MACU has an acceptance rate of 100%, a graduation rate of 34%, and it offers an online Master of Science in Counseling - Clinical Mental Health Counseling. The master's program requires 60 credit hours, along with a practicum and internship.

At MACU, students use Blackboard to access their coursework, which is almost entirely online. Students study psychotherapy techniques, psychopharmacology solutions, as well as ethics and case studies in courses, such as Psychopathology, Individual Counsel & Psychotherapy Techniques, and Assessment of Individuals/Families in counseling. Graduates may work as telehealth counselors, mental health administrators, disability counselors, and private practice therapists.

MACU is not an LGBT-friendly school, according to its website.

New England College (NEC) is a small, private institution with a 100% acceptance rate and a 30% graduation rate. NEC offers an online Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, which requires 60 credit hours, 100 practicum hours, 300 internship hours, and takes approximately two years to complete. Students gain an understanding of integrative systems of care, community needs assessment, interventions, and outreach.

At NEC, students use Blackboard to access their coursework, which is entirely online and synchronous. Courses include Diagnosis and the DSM, Addictions Counseling, and Advanced Skills in Helping Relationships, among others. Graduates of this program are ready to become clinical mental health counselors.

Thomas University (TU) is a small, private institution with a 29% acceptance rate and a 44% acceptance rate. TU offers an online Master of Science in Counseling - Clinical Mental Health Counseling, which requires 60 credit hours, 100 practicum hours, 900 internship hours, and a counseling capstone.

At TU, students use Canvas to access their coursework, which is almost entirely online. Students gain an understanding of theoretical foundations, ethical and legal standards, case management, crisis counseling, and program evaluation. Courses — such as Human Sexuality, Psychopathology & Diagnosis, and Abnormal Behavior — prepare graduates to work in career centers, government agencies, hospitals, and treatment centers.